Weizen
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

It's been a while since I've visited the Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Indianapolis but wanted to add that this beer was the most authentic Weizen I have tasted in the U.S. It was truly on mark and I was absolutely impressed. The body and color were perfect as was the banana aroma and flavor. A person could taste this beer and honestly believe they were in Bavaria. Describing a Weizen to someone who has never had one is simply impossible. I always mention Rock Bottom Weizen as the best I've had in the U.S. In fact, finding an actual Weizen in the U.S. is damn near impossible so I encourage anyone to try it. Come to think of it, I believe Sam Adams actually made one once that was pretty darn good but then in disappeared. Other than SAm and Rock Bottom, I haven't been able to locate a true Weizen so I was pleased to find this one.

As the website suggests, the recipe for their Weizen may very depending on the seasons. Based on taste, I'm reviewing this beer based on a traditional German Hefeweizen. (Actual results may vary)

With canary yellow color and maybe a golden highlight thrown in, this hazy beer shows good head formation and retention that is only average compared to most wheat-heavy beers. Lacing endures but still not the appearance that is expected. Just from the look, the beer seems light in body.

Aromas fare well enough with an emphasis on the yeast. Phenolic clove character with estery banannas lead the way. Maltiness and wheat character seem average underneath the fruity, clove notes.

The wheat and malt blend gives a light bready, malty taste. But it's the taste of the bananna and clove that dominate the brew. Light on peppery qualities and and a true pilsner maltiness seem to take it's toll on the taste buds. Hop character is light and bring about a light herbal, grassy note late.

To the mouth, the beer wears down with an unsettling sweetness that is never really balanced or tempered with complexity. Somewhat thin throughout.

There's not a lot that separates this beer from the Ayinger Brauweiss' of the world, but the weizen yeast gives so much complexity to Hefeweizens, but the clove and bannanas in this one seem to dominate too much. Could also be creamier, but not necessarily more malty. Tough to pin down.

From a sampler at the Indy location: This brew is a hazy orange color with a thin white head and sticky lacing. Wheat and clove in the nose. On the light and slick side with a wheaty character and some banana flavor. The finish is fair but not very lasting. This is a so-so beer.